A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION
OR ANY DAY IS A GOOD DAY FOR A POSITIVE CHANGE!
January 1 does it to me every year. Resolutions. Another chance for a fresh start. A perfect opportunity to improve. Of course, nothing says that New Years is the only time to make a change. Every day is worth the effort to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. And that includes the health and well-being of your dog. Our pups stay faithfully by us every day. Don't take them for granted! Whether it is January 1 or any other day that ends in "y", here area few "resolutions" you can make to responsibly care for that adorable pup of yours.
DO THE I.D. UPDATE:
Things can change pretty fast these days. New phone? New contact? New address? Keep identification on your pet and keep it current! The start of the year is a great time to check that your pet is sporting all the most current personalized information on their collar along with a current rabies tag. Consider having your pet microchipped by your veterinarian as it is the perfect back-up to tags. Is your pet already microchipped? Make sure all that contact info is current, too. Even with the best intentions, dogs can become separated from the most conscientious owner. Make sure whoever finds your beloved pet can find you! Also, have current photos of your pet handy, just in case.
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VISIT THE VET:
We know. Taking your pet to the vet is rarely an inexpensive proposition. Studies have shown, however, that regular, preventative health care can ultimately cost you less in the long run - and keep your pet happier and healthier - than trying to put things off. Assuming your pup is acting lively and well, how often should you visit your favorite veterinarian? For most breeds, that’s once a year for pets aged one to seven years old. Puppies and kittens less than a year old will be more frequent to receive all necessary vaccinations. Depending on breed and other health issues, dogs over seven may benefit from twice yearly visits. Be sure to schedule an appointment to get your pup checked out. You’ll both feel better.
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SPAY AND NEUTER:
When you come right down to it, there are just too many benefits to having your pet spayed/neutered to ignore. According to the Humane Society, “neutered male dogs live 18% longer than un-neutered male dogs and spayed female dogs live 23% longer than unspayed female dogs.” Don't fall for the myths! Spayed/neutered pets have notably lower incidence in certain cancers as well as a reduced urge to roam, limiting their exposure to other dangers. Pets that are spayed/neutered tend to have fewer behavioral problems. And who wouldn’t want a healthier, better adjusted pet?
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OUT WITH THE OLD:
Did Fifi or Fido get some new toys this holiday season? That’s great! Fresh stimulation is good for your dog’s well-being. But what about last year’s toys? Time for a clean out! Those old, beat up toys can harbor germs that aren’t good for anybody. If an old toy can’t be sanitized in a washing machine or dishwasher, toss it!
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IN WITH THE NEW:
Let the start of the year be a time to start a new activity with your dog. Mental stimulation is as much a part of your dog’s well-being as physical exercise and proper diet. Our homes may not always provide activities of interest that stimulate our canine companion’s mind, leading to boredom and, over time, reduced cognitive ability. An active brain can lead to a healthier dog that is less likely to demonstrate inappropriate behavior because there is nothing better to do. Introduce something new to the mix. The Modern Dog Trainer offers a list of simple suggestions you can try. Or have your dog assessed through Dognition to determine their true inner intelligence and then build on that. The main thing is to get those neurons firing!
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A PENNY SAVED:
Did we mention this before? Vet bills can be a little pricey. Knowing that preventative care can cost you less in the long run can be of little comfort when you’re staring at the bill at the end of a vet visit. But, in many ways, being a pet parent requires a level of responsibility like being an actual parent . . . to, like, a little human. Part of being responsible is thinking and planning ahead. You know you need to take your dog to the vet regularly. You know the vet generally likes to get paid for their services. If your regular monthly finances can’t absorb the once or twice yearly vet bill, consider setting up a pet savings fund. However you choose to do so – an official savings account, a line item on a spreadsheet, or in a hermetically sealed envelope placed in a mayonnaise jar on Funk & Wagnall’s porch, consistently set some money aside so you can feel confident about addressing health needs when necessary.
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MEASURING UP:
No. We’re not questioning your skills and abilities. We’re questioning how you feed your pup! Make it a standard to always measure the amount of food you feed your pet. When “eyeballing” the amount of food that goes into your pet’s bowl, it is easy to start overfeeding, leading to weight gain. Overfeeding can be particularly common when you get the “puppy eyes” and feel compelled to give them just a little bit more. Discuss with your vet what is the best food, feeding method, and amount for your pup – and then actually do it. Consistently! Does your dog have specialized food needs? Pre-mix the desired meal, measure, and save. Makes those early morning feedings much easier!
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SHARE THE LOVE:
You love your pup, no doubt. But there are many others who are just waiting to find their forever families. As much as we might like to imagine buying a farm big enough to be able to adopt all the pets at the local animal shelter, for most of us, that thought is not likely to happen. If you can do that, we’d love to meet you!!! If buying a farm is a little out of your reach, consider volunteering with your local animal shelter or rescue group. Most can always use some extra hands and feet in their efforts to link animals with loving homes. Reach out, even if only for an hour or two each week. Your resolution can truly make a difference!
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